Did You Know Hyderabad’s Osmania Biscuits Have Two Fascinating Origin Stories? Chef Ranveer Brar Reveals!

If there’s one biscuit that can proudly say it represents an entire city, it’s the Osmania biscuit of Hyderabad. Flaky, buttery, lightly sweet, and slightly salty, this biscuit has managed to become a tradition, and for many, the perfect definition of “chai time.” But where did these biscuits come from? Let’s find out!

The Timeless Tale Of Osmania Biscuits

 

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In a post on Instagram, Chef Ranveer Brar revealed one of the most interesting stories about its origin. Osmania biscuits originated in the opulent kitchens of Hyderabad’s final Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. He wanted a biscuit that was simple but well-balanced, mild enough to be eaten with tea at any time of day, and neither overly sweet nor overly salty.

The royal chefs got to work and created a rich, buttery, sweet, and slightly salty biscuit. Every day, a whole car was used to deliver these biscuits to the Nizam because he loved them so much. He generously shared them and enjoyed them with his family and friends.

There’s another version, shared by Chef Ranveer Brar. This version claims that Osmania biscuits were first made for patients at the Osmania Hospital in Hyderabad. Doctors wanted a biscuit that is simple to digest, light on the stomach, not too sweet, and not too greasy. Bakeries stepped in and created a biscuit that met all of these specifications. It was easy, soft, crumbly, and perfect to dip into a cup of chai. Patients liked it, and soon Hyderabad as a whole adopted it. 

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A Biscuit Inspired By Many Cultures

Hyderabad is known for its rich mix of Indian, Turkish, and Persian influences, and Osmania biscuits are a sweet example of that. The biscuit’s texture and aroma are inspired by old Turkish and Persian baking traditions. That’s why you get a shortbread-like crumble that smells of cardamom and saffron and has a smooth, buttery richness.

These biscuits were made for Irani chai. One sip of creamy tea and one bite of Osmania biscuit – it’s the kind of pairing that stays with you forever. Stand outside any cafe near Charminar in the early morning, and you’ll see people dipping Osmania biscuits in their tea, letting them soften, then eating them in one perfect bite.

Honestly, no bakery in Hyderabad is complete without a batch of freshly baked Osmania biscuits on its shelves.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Ravi Dwivedi